Former Chetham’s music school boss accused of raping pupil

The former director of music at the prestigious Chetham’s School has been accused of raping a student while he worked there. Michael Brewer OBE has been charged with rape and six counts of indecent assault following a police investigation into historic sexual abuse.

The former director of music at the prestigious Chetham’s School has been accused of raping a student while he worked there.

Michael Brewer OBE has been charged with rape and six counts of indecent assault following a police investigation.

Mr Brewer, 67, worked at the music school, in Manchester city centre, for two decades before leaving several years ago and was today suspended from his job as the musical director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.

His wife Hilary Brewer has also been charged with rape and indecent assault. The charges relate to the alleged abuse and rape of a teenage girl who was a Chetham’s student.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at the school and a separate address in Manchester.

A statement, issued by the general manager of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain Mark Anyan, on behalf of the chair of trustees, Prof Chris Higgins, said a search for his eplacement was now underway because Mr Brewer was nearing his planned retirement.

It said: “The NYCGB became aware that GMP had issued serious charges against its artistic director, Mike Brewer OBE, which he is contesting.

“As a consequence, Mike has been suspended from all duties with immediate effect and will have no part in any NYCGB activities until these allegations have been resolved.

“These allegations relate to events over 30 years ago, before the choir was founded, and have nothing to do with the NYCGB, nor Mike’s time as artistic director.

“A search for a new director to replace Mike Brewer as he nears his planned retirement is already underway and the trustees expect to have identified a successor in August.

“All planned choral courses and concerts for the summer, including the BBC Promenade Concerts, and our programme remains uninterrupted, albeit the senior choir will no longer be conducted by Mike Brewer.”

Alternative conducting arrangements are already in place to ensure that the NYCGB continues to go from strength to strength.”

A spokesman for the Chetham's School of Musics said: “The school takes all matters regarding the safeguarding of children extremely seriously and the welfare of our students is of paramount concern to all staff and governors.

“We are aware that Michael Brewer has been charged with offences that are alleged to have happened while he was employed by the school many years ago. We are co-operating with this investigation but while this matter is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

Chetham’s, which has almost 300 students aged eight to 18, is the largest specialist music school in Britain and the only one based in the north of England. The independent school’s buildings, which are 600 years old, are close to Manchester Cathedral and students are admitted on musical ability and talent – having to take part in auditions as part of the tough application process.

According to Chetham’s website, Mr Brewer was the youngest and least experienced candidate when he was appointed director of music in the mid-1970s.

The award-winning choir conductor worked there for 20 years and has been described as being responsible for nurturing some of the country’s brightest musical talent. He has also directed the World Youth Choir.

A GMP spokesman said: “Two people have been charged following a historic abuse investigation. Michael Brewer, of Swarthmore Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, has been charged with rape and six counts of indecent assault. Hilary Brewer, of Knowl Gap Avenue, Rossendale, Lancashire, has been charged with rape and indecent assault.”

Mr and Mrs Brewer are due before magistrates in Manchester next month.